Raoul's POV
All notes of the Phantom had faded into the distance long ago. I was quite glad with this. I had heard more than enough of him and his music. Christine had assured me that we would not hear from him again. I didn't share her faith in the nobility of this monster. I remained tense, glancing around the underground chambers as if expecting him to descend upon us any moment and snatch Christine away from me again.
'No," I thought firmly, 'I won't let him.' Who was I to say that? I had almost failed her once. Who was to say I wouldn't again? My whole body tensed up at that thought. I set my face in a grim line and pushed the boat a little faster. I wanted nothing more than to free us from this hell. The smell of smoke was stronger now. We were getting close. I felt Christine's small hand gently massage my shoulder. The tension immediately disappeared as if someone had cut its legs out right out from under it. My rowing stopped and turned to her. She was staring at me with nothing but worry and love in her eyes.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, hanging my head low with shame.
"For what?" she questioned incredulously. For what? Certainly she knew.
"I failed you," I said a little more loudly, meeting her soft brown eyes, "I forced you to decide to……decide to…." I took a deep breath and opened my mouth to try again. But before I could utter a word she place a loving finger onto my lips, effectively silencing me.
"You did not fail me."
"But if I was only faster or stronger I could have…."
"No," she insisted gently, "You did not fail me. Raoul, you saved me." I looked at her disbelievingly. How had I saved her? If anything it was the other way around.
Seeing my confusion, she continued. "You saved me from him. You freed me from the chains that he bound me with. You, Raoul, and only you freed my voice. I realized tonight that my entire life has been a waking nightmare. I thought it was a dream, but I was just blind to the pitch black that surrounded me. He kept a veil over my face, distorting my view on the outside world; on what was really darkness and what was really light. But tonight that veil was lifted and I see things for what they really are. The only fact that remained the same was my love for you."
"But if this veil distorts truth then why could you love me with it on. Would I not be perceived as an enemy?" I wasn't sure what she was talking about. This life that she shared with the Phantom would confuse me until the end of my days.
She smiled at me, "You taught me to look around the veil. To understand the truth of the ignorant state that man kept me under. Only then could I completely lift it." I looked down at her. If I had not already loved her with every fiber of my being I would have falling in love with her again and again at that very moment. She was no longer an innocent little girl. It seemed as if I had watched before my very eyes grow into a fine young woman. She placed a gentle hand on my cheek, gently moving her thumb in small circles.
Raoul, I love you
I smiled at her. I knew that for the rest of my life it would be difficult to find a man on this earth happier than I. I leaned down and placed a small kiss on her lips. I did not rush to gain access to her mouth or to increase the amount of passion. Why should I? We had the rest of our lives. I finally did pull away continued to move the boat towards the surface and daylight.
What we found on the surface was certainly not the fairytale image. The air was thick with smoke but we saw no flames. One attempt to breathe and I was left in a coughing fit. Christine faired no better than I in the battle for oxygen. I glanced around desperately for something, anything that would help. We had not come this far to be beaten by something a trivial as a little smoke. Through my coughing and choking I noticed an abandoned rack of costumes. I fought my way through the fumes towards it. Unceremoniously, I ripped two strips of cloth from the nearest dress. Once I had one securely fastened around my mouth and nose I hurried back to Christine. She was on the ground choking and gasping for air. I wrapped it swiftly around her face and tied a knot behind her head to secure it. After a second or two she managed to catch enough of her breath for us to proceed.
"Don't be frightened, Little Lotte," I assured her as I took her hand firmly in mine and led through the labyrinth that was the backstage area of the Opera Populaire. By chance or luck we happened upon a side door. I reached for the handle and attempted to open the door. It didn't budge. I futilely tried again but still the door didn't move. Instead it remained shut as if mocking me. On the other side of this door was fresh air and freedom. Christine was looking at me desperately. The smoke was affecting her far more than it was affecting me. With renewed determination I slammed by body again and again against the stubborn door. Finally it flew open tossing me head over heals onto the snow beneath. Christine gave a small gasp of surprise and leaped out after me. She kneeled into the snow next to me. Her delicate fingers pulled the make-shift mask off my face. I remained motionless on the ground. She cupped my face in her hands.
"Raoul," she called frantically, "Raoul!" My resolve cracked and a grin broke out over my face. That grin turned into chuckles, and those chuckles turned into roaring laughter. We were free! WE WERE FREE! I felt like screaming it out to the world but instead I just allowed myself to laugh. Christine smacked my shoulder lightly.
"Don't do that," she whispered, leaning back from where she had been perched above me.
"I'm sorry," I whispered. My laughter had died down immediately once I realized that I had hurt her. "It was not my intent to hurt you. I would never take pleasure from your pain, Christine," I said sincerely as I rose to my feet. I offered a hand to help her up. She smiled slightly at me and took it. I pulled her up, but before she was even steady on her feet she was overcome with a coughing fit and collapsed into my chest. After a moment it passed but she continued to remain in my arms, relying on me to keep her up. Before she could stand up properly another coughing fit overcame her. Once that passed she attempted to pull away from me.
"I'm fine," she declared. I was hearing none of that. I bent down, locked one arm underneath knees, and swept her into my arms.
"I'm fine, Raoul," she whispered, but despite her protests I could feel her sinking into my arms.
"Oh I know that, Little Lotte," I smiled as I worked my way out of the back alley the door had led us to, "I just relish the feeling of you in my arms. If you would please indulge me in this it would be much appreciated."
"As you wish, monsieur," she sighed with mock formality. God how much I loved this woman. She was perfect in every way. Right then she had her eyes closed as she relaxed after the nights events. What I would always thank God for was that she chose my arms to be the ones that held her.
The sounds of many frightened and frantic people reached our ears as we approached the ended of the alley. I stepped out onto the stone street outside of the Opera Populaire. It was complete chaos. Men were running about everywhere, some were attempting to extinguish the fire, others were comforted the many weeping women of the Opera House. It didn't appear as if the flames had spread much. Maybe it had just been contained to the stage. Maybe that was just wishful thinking. I had no idea. Madame Giry. I need to find her. She can help us. I turned to the person I saw. This happened to be a small boy. He was staring in awe at the madness that ensued around him.
"Excuse me," I said gently to get his attention. He turned to me then promptly began to stare in awe at Christine. What was he looking at? Was I jealous? No, this boy was no more that ten years old. Nothing to be jealous of.
"What's your name?"
"Jean," he said, finally taking his eyes off of Christine.
"Jean," I repeated, "Have you seen a woman by the name of Madame Giry. She might have had her daughter with her. A girl named Meg. She would be about as big as the woman in my arms."
"No, monsieur," he said, "But, monsieur, why are you carrying that girl?"
"Because she couldn't walk," I answered automatically, already looking for someone else to ask. Preferably someone who was old enough to spell Madame Giry.
"Why?"
"Because she's sick." Maybe that man over there. No, no he's just a begger. I doubt he'd know.
"Why?"
"She inhaled some smoke." Maybe him over there. Yes I think I recognize him from the Opera. Yes, he's a good choice.
"Why?"
"Because we were inside the Opera House when it was on fire." I was growing impatient now. This kid really needed to back off. I was glad that Christine had drifted off to sleep by then. Though I had no idea how she had remained so in the midst of all this craziness.
"Well why were you in there when it was on fire?" he asked as if it was the stupidest thing on earth. I was saved a snappish retort when I heard a female's voice calling me.
"Vicomte de Changy?" I spun around to see Meg pushing her way through the crowd. I heaved a great sighed of relief. "My mother sent me to look for you, monsieur. She found a small inn just down the road. The inn keeper is already putting up a few of the others from the Opera up for the night for free."
"Thank you, Meg." I was truly grateful. Christine needed a place to sleep and it didn't look as if we would find any rides out of the city to the de Changy estate tonight.
"Is she all right?" Meg said, gesturing towards Christine. Her face was full of worry for her life time friend.
"She inhaled too much smoke. Some rest, a little water, and she will be just fine." I was not only assuring Meg but myself. Christine would be all right. She had to be. Meg nodded but did not look completely convinced.
"Follow me, monsieur." She started to spin around.
"Meg," I called her back. She turned to face me. "There is no need for that formality. You may call me simply Raoul."
She nodded. "Follow me," she hesitated for a split second, "Raoul." She spun around quickly before I could read any emotion on her face and started to make her way back through the crowd. I glanced down at Christine before following. Somehow I knew that she would like that. She would like me to make her friends my own. It was difficult to follow Meg through the crowd. Her slim, limber frame allowed her to mover fairly quickly in and out of people. With a sound asleep Christine in my arms and my slightly larger build I lost sight of her three or four times. It was only her doubling back that allowed us to successfully make our way out of the mob.
We finally reached a small dead end street. Meg followed it a little ways before turning into an inn called the Bird and Baby.
"This is it," she said unnecessarily. It was cozy, warm place. I immediately felt a little safer in the warmth of the fire.
"Ahh more people." The innkeeper was an old man with a very happy attitude. He reminded me a little bit of Santa Clause in his disposition.
"Thank you Monsieur……" I trailed off.
"Paul," he supplied, "Paul will do, monsieur. Now what is wrong with this one?" he asked, gesturing to Christine's sleeping form. How was she still asleep?
"Nothing a hot bath and some sleep won't remedy," I responded.
"Of course. Marguerite!" he called. I plump woman appeared at the bottom of the stairs.
"Yes?" She seemed as jolly and friendly as her husband.
"Would you please take this woman and give her a hot bath?"
"Yes. Yes of course," she agreed, walking over towards myself and Christine, "Poor dear. It looks like she has been to hell and back." How close to the truth. "Monsieur?" she questioned.
"Yes?"
"You're going to have to let her go," she said tentatively. My grip on Christine tightened. I would not lose her again, not even to this seemingly sweet woman.
"She will be fine, Monsieur Vicomte," Madame Giry had appeared at the bottom of the stairs, "I will watch over her." I had no idea where she had come from. Perhaps her days with the Phantom had taught her a thing or two about being invisible. None of that mattered though because right now she was probably the only person besides Meg whom I would entrust Christine to. I nodded slightly to show my assent. I then turned my attention to the fast asleep woman in my arms.
"Christine," I whispered softly, "Christine, love, you must wake up now." She shifted in my arms slightly.
"Raoul," she breathed in her semi-conscious state. I grinned.
"Come now, Little Lotte," I whispered in a second attempt. This time her eyes fluttered open.
"Raoul?" A confused look graced her beautiful face. "Where are we?"
"We're at an inn. Meg and Madame Giry are here too," I comforted her. She looked at Meg, then Madame Giry, and finally back to me. "Don't worry. You're perfectly safe, Christine. I'm here," I assured her. I felt her relax. "Madame Giry is going to take you to have a hot bath now. All right?" She nodded and I lowered her to her feet. I kept my hands on her waste until I was sure she was steady.
"Will I see you again?" she questioned.
"If you wish it," I responded. She smiled and reached up to kiss me. I was all too aware of the audience we had and (much to my dismay) kept the kiss simple and discreet. I then handed her over to Madame Giry, Meg, and Marguerite who led her up the stairs and out of sight. I stared at the staircase for a long time just thinking of her and contemplating whether or not it would be frowned upon if I darted up the stairs after them.
"You love her, Vicomte?"
"What?"
"I said," Paul repeated, "Do you love her?"
"More than you know," I responded staring him in the eye.
"I thought so," Paul said. He smiled to himself. "You don't need to fear for her. She's in good hands." Despite myself I found myself trusting this man's word. "Come, monsieur, it looks as if you need a hot bath as well."
A bath had never felt so good. Paul had shown back to my room and informed me that Christine's was the one next to mine. After waiting until Paul was out of sight I moved in the direction of Christine's room. Just as I reached the door Madame Giry and Meg stepped out.
"May I see her?" I questioned.
"She's sleeping, monsieur," Madame Giry replied.
"I promised her."
"She needs rest," Madame Giry insisted, "You need rest yourself. You may see her in the morning." It was times like this when I truly appreciated the ballet (well, now former) mistress' discipline. I nodded my head in concession. She was right. I did not wish to risk waking Christine. She needed sleep. Madame Giry, upon seeing my admission of defeat, bid Meg and I good night before leaving to the privacy of her own room.
Meg started to follow her mother but hesitated, "Get some sleep, Raoul. She's fine." She smiled at me and headed off in the direction of her mother. I retreated into my room. I pulled my shirt off and crawled into bed.
No more talk of darkness
Forget these wide-eyed fears
I'm here
No one will harm you
My words will warm and calm you
Let me be your freedom
Let daylight dry your tears
I'm here
No one will find you
To guard you and to guide you
I don't know why I sung these words. Perhaps it was my desire to be with Christine perhaps I couldn't bear the silence. Either way I was certainly surprised when I heard Christine's voice drifting back to me from the other side of the wall.
Say you'll love me
Every waking moment
Turn my head with talk of summertime
Say you need me with you
Now and always
Promise me that all you say is true
That's all I ask of you
I listened, enchanted, at the sound of her beautiful voice. I was so entranced I almost forgot the next part of the song. But I managed to pull myself together in time to sing the next lyric.
Let me be your shelter
Let me be your light
I'm here
No one will find you
Your fears are far behind you
She swiftly answered me.
All I want is freedom
A world with no more night
And you always beside me
To hold me and to hide me
I my heart leapt, as it always did, at those words. I vowed for the thousandth time to make sure I did not disappoint her.
Then say you'll share with me
One love, one lifetime
Let me lead you from your solitude
Say you need me with you
Here, beside you
Anywhere you go
Let me go too
Christine
That's all I ask of you
I thought that my heart would burst at that point with all of the love I was feeling. I didn't know that I could feel this way. Until I met Christine.
Say you'll share with me
One love, one lifetime
Say the word and I will follow you
Our voices rose in harmony.
Share each day with me
Each night
Each morning
Christine's voice was laced with exhaustion now. I wished that I could take her into my arms then but the wall prevented this from happening. Instead I raised my hand to the wall hoping to obtain some sort of closeness. What I didn't know was that my gesture was mirrored by Christine in her room.
Say you love me
She never has to worry about me not loving her. That is something that I could not help.
You know I do
I always will.
Love me…
That's all I ask of you
The last note faded away and was met with silence, but this silence was a comfortable one. I heard a muffled yawn from the other side of the door. I gave a small smile. Only Christine would pretend to be awake to spend time with a man when they had a wall separating them.
"Good night, Little Lotte," I said, not raising my voice any louder then was necessary for her to hear in the other room.
"Good night, Raoul." Her angelic voice drifted back to me. That night I dreamed of nothing but us and our future together.
A/N
I think that I will continue to switch off POV but other then thatI have no idea where this is going but I think that I could do something with this. I'm not sure. Thanks to all who read and reviewed. Hope you enjoyed.